Data Analyst vs Penetration Tester: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Data Analyst
Transform raw data into actionable business insights through analysis and reporting.
Penetration Tester
Conduct authorised attacks on systems to find and report vulnerabilities.
Penetration Tester earns more on average — the national median is $40,240/year (45%) higher than a Data Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Data Analyst vs Penetration Tester — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Data Analyst | Penetration Tester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $129,659 | $193,496 | Data $63,837 |
| New York, NY | $108,724 | $140,470 | Data $31,746 |
| Seattle, WA | $102,930 | $188,841 | Data $85,911 |
| Austin, TX | $101,065 | $145,769 | Data $44,704 |
| Chicago, IL | $92,625 | $135,251 | Data $42,626 |
| Boston, MA | $113,607 | $171,501 | Data $57,894 |
| London, UK | £71,596 | £102,480 | Data $30,884 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$116,846 | CA$166,911 | Data $50,065 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Data Analyst or Penetration Tester earn more?+
A Penetration Tester earns more on average. The national median salary for a Data Analyst is $88,940/year, compared to $129,180/year for a Penetration Tester — a difference of $40,240 (45%).
Which has better career growth — Data Analyst or Penetration Tester?+
Data Analyst roles are growing at 28% YoY while Penetration Tester demand is growing at 30% YoY. Penetration Tester has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Data Analyst to Penetration Tester?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Python.
Which is harder to automate — Data Analyst or Penetration Tester?+
Penetration Tester has a lower AI automation risk (22% vs 50%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.